MoCA entry device

ABSTRACT

An entry device includes an entry port configured to receive cable television (CATV) signals from a headend. The entry device also includes a filter connected to the entry port. The entry device also includes a plurality of first output ports and a plurality of second output ports. The entry device also includes a first path connecting the filter to the first output ports. The first path is configured to have the CATV signals and multimedia over coax alliance (MoCA) signals pass bidirectionally therethrough. The entry device also includes a second path connecting the filter to the second output ports. The second path is configured to have the MoCA signals pass bidirectionally therethrough and to block the CATV signals from passing therethrough.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/638,933, filed on Jun. 30, 2017, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/356,937, filed on Jun. 30, 2016.The content of each of these applications is incorporated herein.

FIELD

This invention generally relates to cable television (CATV) networks andto in-home entertainment networks. More particularly, the presentinvention relates to a Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) entrydevice.

BACKGROUND

CATV networks supply and distribute high frequency “downstream” signalsfrom a main signal distribution facility, known as a “headend,” topremises (e.g., homes and offices) of subscribers. The downstreamsignals can be provided to subscriber equipment, such as televisions,telephones, and computers. In addition, most CATV networks also receive“upstream” signals from subscriber equipment back to the headend of theCATV network. For example, a set top box can send an upstream signalincluding information for selecting programs for viewing on atelevision. Also, upstream and downstream signals are used by personalcomputers connected through the CATV infrastructure to the Internet.Further, voice over Internet protocol (VOIP) telephones use upstream anddownstream signals to communicate telephone conversations.

To permit simultaneous communication of upstream and downstream CATVsignals, and to permit interoperability of the subscriber equipment andthe equipment associated with the CATV network infrastructure outside ofsubscriber premises, the downstream and upstream signals are confined totwo different frequency bands. For example, in some CATV networks thedownstream frequency band can be within the range of 54-1002 megahertz(MHz) and the upstream frequency band can be within the range of 5-42MHz.

The downstream signals are delivered from the CATV networkinfrastructure to the subscriber premises at a CATV entry device, whichis also commonly referred to as a network interface device, an entryadapter, a port adapter, or a drop amplifier. The entry device is amulti-port device that connects at an entry port to a CATV drop cablefrom the CATV network infrastructure and connects at a multiplicity ofother input/output ports (hereinafter “ports”) to coaxial cables thatextend throughout the subscriber premises to cable outlets. Each cableoutlet is available to be connected to subscriber equipment such astelevision sets, computers, and telephone sets. The multiple ports ofthe entry device deliver the downstream signals to each cable outlet andconduct the upstream signals from the subscriber equipment through theentry device to the drop cable of the CATV infrastructure.

In addition to television sets, computers and telephones, a large numberof other entertainment and multimedia devices are available for use inhomes. For example, a digital video recorder (DVR) can be used to recordbroadcast programming, still photography and movies in a memory mediumso that the content can be replayed on a display or television set at alater time selected by the user. As another example, video games arealso played on personal computers or on gaming systems connected totelevision sets. Such video games may be those that interface real timethrough the CATV network's internet service provider. As a furtherexample, signals from a receiver of satellite-broadcast signals may bedistributed for viewing or listening throughout the home. These types ofdevices, which can also include conventional television sets, telephonesets, and other such devices connected to the Internet by the CATVnetwork, are generically referred to as “multimedia devices.”

The desire to use multimedia devices at multiple different locationswithin the home or subscriber premises has led to the creation of MoCA.MoCA has developed specifications for products to create an in-homeentertainment network for interconnecting multimedia devices. A MoCAin-home network uses the subscriber premise or in-home coaxial cableinfrastructure originally established for distribution of CATV signalswithin the subscriber premises, principally because that coaxial cableinfrastructure already exists in most homes and is capable of carryingmuch more information than is carried in the CATV frequency bands. AMoCA network is established by connecting MoCA-enabled or MoCA interfacedevices at the cable outlets in the rooms of the subscriber premises.These MoCA interface devices implement a MoCA communication protocolwhich encapsulates signals normally used by the multimedia deviceswithin MoCA signal packets and then communicates the MoCA signal packetsbetween other MoCA interface devices connected at other cable outlets.The receiving MoCA interface device removes the encapsulated multimediasignals from the MoCA signal packets, and delivers the multimediasignals to the connected display, computer, or other multimedia devicefrom which the content is presented to the user.

Each MoCA-enabled device is capable of communicating with every otherMoCA-enabled device in the subscriber premises to deliver the multimediacontent. For example, the multimedia content that is available from oneMoCA-enabled device can be displayed, played, or otherwise used on adifferent MoCA-enabled device at a different location within thesubscriber premise, thereby avoiding physically relocating theoriginating multimedia device from one location to another within thesubscriber premises. The communication of multimedia content over theMoCA network is beneficial because it more fully utilizes the multimediadevices present in modern homes.

In current entry devices for MOCA networks, the outputs on thedownstream side communicate over the frequency range of 54 MHz to 1675MHz. Accordingly, components of the MOCA entry device (e.g., filters andsplitters) are configured to operate over this entire frequency range.However, doing so prevents the components from being optimized for anyparticular operating range, which reduces the performance (e.g., noise,power loss, and/or isolation) of the components while increasing theircost and/or complexity.

SUMMARY

Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure provide an entrydevice. The entry device includes an entry port configured to receivecable television (CATV) signals from a headend. The entry device alsoincludes a low-band filter connected to the entry port. The low-bandfilter is configured to pass the CATV signals therethrough and to blockmultimedia over coax alliance (MoCA) signals from passing therethrough.The entry device also includes a broadband splitter connected to thelow-band filter. The broadband splitter is configured to split the CATVsignals from the low-band filter. The entry device also includes aplurality of first output ports connected to the broadband splitter. Thefirst output ports are configured to receive the split CATV signals fromthe broadband splitter. The CATV signals travel from the entry port,through the low-band filter and the broadband splitter, and to the firstoutput ports. The CATV signals travel from the first output ports,through the broadband splitter and the low-band filter, and to the entryport. The MoCA signals are blocked from travelling from the first outputports to the entry port by the low-band filter. The entry device alsoincludes a high-band filter connected to the low-band filter. Thehigh-band filter is configured to block the CATV signals from passingtherethrough and to pass the MoCA signals therethrough. The entry devicealso includes a high-band splitter connected to the high-band filter.The high-band splitter is configured to split the MoCA signals from thehigh-band filter. The entry device also includes a plurality of secondoutput ports connected to the high-band splitter. The second outputports are configured to receive the split MoCA signals from thehigh-band splitter. The CATV signals are blocked from travelling fromthe entry port to the second output ports by the high-band filter, thehigh-band splitter, or both. The CATV signals are blocked fromtravelling from the first output ports to the second output ports by thehigh-band filter, the high-band splitter, or both. The MoCA signalstravel from the first output ports, through the broadband splitter, thehigh-band filter, and the high-band splitter, and to the second outputports. The MoCA signals travel from the second output ports, through thehigh-band splitter, the high-band filter, and the broadband splitter,and to the first output ports. The MoCA signals are blocked fromtravelling from the second output ports to the entry port by thelow-band filter.

In another embodiment, the entry device includes an entry portconfigured to receive cable television (CATV) signals from an externalnetwork. The entry device also includes a first filter connected to theentry port. The first filter is configured to pass the CATV signalstherethrough and to block multimedia over coax alliance (MoCA) signalsfrom passing therethrough. The entry device also includes a plurality offirst output ports and a first path connecting the first filter to thefirst output ports. The first path is configured to pass the CATVsignals and the MoCA signals bidirectionally therethrough. The entrydevice also includes a second filter connected to the first filter. Thesecond filter is configured to block the CATV signals from passingtherethrough and to pass the MoCA signals therethrough. The entry devicealso includes a plurality of second output ports and a second pathconnecting the second filter to the second output ports. The second pathis configured to pass the MoCA signals bidirectionally therethrough andto block the CATV signals from passing therethrough.

In yet another embodiment, the entry device includes an entry portconfigured to receive cable television (CATV) signals from a headend.The entry device also includes a filter connected to the entry port. Theentry device also includes a plurality of first output ports and aplurality of second output ports. The entry device also includes a firstpath connecting the filter to the first output ports. The first path isconfigured to have the CATV signals and multimedia over coax alliance(MoCA) signals pass bidirectionally therethrough. The entry device alsoincludes a second path connecting the filter to the second output ports.The second path is configured to have the MoCA signals passbidirectionally therethrough and to block the CATV signals from passingtherethrough.

It will be appreciated that this summary is intended merely to introducesome aspects of the present methods, systems, and media, which are morefully described and/or claimed below. Accordingly, this summary is notintended to be limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the presentteachings and together with the description, serve to explain theprinciples of the present teachings.

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram illustrating an example of an environmentfor a MoCA entry device in accordance with aspects of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 1A shows a block diagram illustrating an example of an environmentfor a MoCA entry device in accordance with aspects of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of an example of a MoCA entry device inaccordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of an example of a MoCA entry device inaccordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of an example of a MoCA entry device inaccordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of an example of a MoCA entry device inaccordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of an example of a MoCA entry device inaccordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6A shows a block diagram of an example of a reflection filter inaccordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is directed to a passive MoCA entry device thatsplits signals into two paths and distributes the signals to broadbanddevices (e.g., CATV devices such as VOIPs, embedded multimedia portadapters (“eMTAs”), cable modem/gateways, and/or master DVR devices) ina broadband path, and high-band devices (e.g., multimedia devices) in ahigh-band path. In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure,components (e.g., resistors, capacitors, and inductors) used in circuitswithin the broadband path and the high-band path are optimized totransfer the frequencies of signals respectively carried by the paths.The optimization of the circuits tuned to the broadband path and thehigh-band path using high-precision components having physicalconfigurations (size, core, and/or coils) that minimize loss (dB) in theoperating frequency ranges of the paths, maximizes loss (dB) outside theoperating frequency ranges of the paths, and minimizes reflectionsand/or sideband interference of the signals. By doing so, the circuitsincluded each the broadband path and the high-band path can besimplified to reduce the cost of the MoCA entry device, as well as thatof the multimedia devices in a subscriber premises.

Additionally, some embodiments of the MoCA entry device disclosed hereinminimize a number of ports for the broadband devices. For example, theMoCA entry device may only include one broadband port, and some otherembodiments may include only two broadband ports. As splitting of thebroadband signal among a number of broadband ports is avoided, the MoCAentry device minimizes degradation (e.g., power loss) of the broadbandsignal. Thus, MoCA entry device disclosed herein is optimal forarchitectures that use a single modem/gateway device (e.g., a CATVset-top box) capable of communicating with both broadband devices in theCATV band (e.g., 5-1002 MHz) and high-band devices the MoCA frequencyband (e.g., 1125-1675 MHz). Such modem/gateway device permitsinformation that is transmitted by a service provider (e.g., a CATVsystem) to be shared amongst device in a MoCA network of a subscriber bypermitting information included in the source signal (e.g., the CATVband) to be rebroadcast within the MoCA network.

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram illustrating an example environment 10 inaccordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The environment 10includes a MoCA entry device 100, a premises 103, and a headend 107. TheMoCA entry device 100 can be installed between the premises 103 (e.g., ahome or business of a CATV subscriber) and a cable (e.g., COAX cable)connecting the headend 107 (e.g., an infrastructure of a CATV servicethat provides high-definition multimedia content and broadband Internetservice). The MoCA entry device 100 includes an entry port 111, one ormore broadband ports 113A and 113B (e.g., CATV ports), and amultiplicity of high-band ports 115 (e.g., MoCA ports), a filter device117, a broadband path 125, and a high-band path 127.

The entry port 111 can connect to the headend 107 from which itreceives/transmits a source signal 116 having a CATV frequency band (C).In embodiments, the CATV frequency band (C) can have a range betweenabout 5 MHz to about 1002 MHz (e.g., a CATV signal). For example, theheadend can be part of the infrastructure of a CATV service provider andthe entry port 111 can connect to a drop cable of the CATV serviceprovider. While FIG. 1 illustrates a signal entry port, it is understoodthat the MoCA entry device 100 can include two or more entry ports 111which receive respective source signals 116 that are combined by asplitter/combiner device and provided to the filter device 117.

The filter device 117 connects the entry port 111 to the broadband path125 and the high-band path 127. In accordance with aspects of thepresent disclosure, the filter device 117 receives the source signal 116from the entry port 111 and passes it to the broadband path 125, whileblocking the source signal 116 from the high-band path 127. In someembodiments, the filter device 117 is a diplexer having a low-bandfilter 119 and a high-band filter 121. The low-band filter 119 can beconfigured to bidirectionally pass the CATV frequency band (C) of thesource signal 116 between the entry port 111 and the broadband path 125and reject any frequencies greater than the CATV frequency band (C). Forexample, the low-band filter 119 can reject frequencies greater thanabout 1000 MHz (e.g., above the CATV band). Additionally, the high-bandfilter 121 of the filter device 117 can be a high-pass filter configuredto reject all frequencies less than about 1125 MHz (e.g., frequenciesbelow the MoCA band), which includes the CATV frequency band (C) of thesource signal 116. In some embodiments, the high-band filter 121 can bea band-pass filter that rejects frequencies of the CATV signal 116outside range of about 1125 MHz to about 1675 MHz. As such, thehigh-band filter 121 blocks communication of the source signal 116 fromthe filter device 117 to the high-band path 127.

The broadband path 125 and the high-band path 127 are physical,conductive (e.g., wired) signal paths. In accordance with aspects of thepresent disclosure, the broadband path 125 connects between the filterdevice 117 and the broadband ports 113A and/or 113B, and bidirectionallycommunicates broadband signal 123 to/from a gateway device 135 (e.g., aCATV gateway devices, such as a set-top box) and/or a broadband device136 (e.g., a modem) in the premises 103. The broadband signal 123 canhave a range between about 5 MHz to about 1675 MHz, which includes theCATV frequency band (C) of the source signal 116 (e.g., about 5 MHz-1002MHz) and a high frequency band (M) (e.g., the MoCA band) of high-bandsignal 124 (e.g., about 1125 MHz-1675 MHz). In some embodiments, thebroadband path 125 includes a broadband splitter 129, which splits thebroadband signal 123 provided downstream from the filter device 117 andfeeds it to the broadband ports 113A and 113B. Additionally, in theupstream direction, the broadband splitter 129 can combine broadbandsignals 123 from the gateway device 135 and/or the broadband device 136into a composite signal. Notably, the hashed lines of broadband port113B and broadband device 136 indicate that they are optional. And, asdescribed previously herein, some embodiments of the MoCA entry device100 may only include a single broadband port 113A for connection to asingle broadband device, which may be the gateway device 135 thatnetworks with high-band devices 137 in the premises 103 (e.g., in a MoCAnetwork).

The broadband splitter 129 can be ferrite, resistive, or transmissionline splitter. In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, thebroadband splitter 129 is configured to operate only at frequencies atand below about 1675 MHz by, for example, using components (e.g.,resistors, capacitors, inductors) that minimize noise, reflection, powerloss, leakage, etc. over the frequency range of the broadband path 125.In some embodiments, the broadband path 125 lacks any splitter, such asbroadband splitter 129. Instead, a single broadband downstream port 113Aconnects directly to the filter device 117 via transmission lineswithout any intervening splitter, combiner directional coupler, orsimilar component. In such embodiments, the transmission lines can beoptimized to operate at frequencies at and below about 1675 MHz.

The high-band path 127 connects the broadband downstream ports 113 tothe high-band ports 115, and bidirectionally communicates high-bandsignals 124 having a high frequency band (M) (e.g., MoCA band signals)from the gateway device 135 and/or the broadband device 136 to one ormore high-band devices 137 (e.g., MoCA devices) in the premises 103, andvice versa. The high-band path 127 includes high-band splitter 131,which a one or more devices configured to receive the high-band signal124 (e.g., a high-band component of the broadband signal 123) from thefilter device 117 (e.g., high-band filter 121) as an input, split suchsignal, and output it to the high-band ports 115. In the reversedirection, the high-band splitter 131 is configured to receive a numberof high-band signals 124 as inputs to a two or more terminals, combinesuch signals into a composite high-band signal 124, and output thecomposite high-band signal 124 to the filter device 117.

The high-band splitter 131 can include one or more ferrite, resistive,or transmission line splitters. In accordance with aspects of thepresent disclosure, components of the high-band splitter 131 can beoptimized for the frequencies of the high-band signal 124. Additionally,the high-band splitter 131 operate only at frequencies at or above 1000MHz using components that minimize noise, reflection, power loss,leakage etc. over the frequency range of the high-band path 127. In someembodiments, the high-band splitter 131 operate only at frequencies ator between 1100 MHZ and 2000 MHz. Additionally, in some embodiments, thecomponents of the high-band splitter 131 are optimized to operate onlyat frequencies at or between 1125 MHZ and 1675 MHz

Referring now to the signal flow of the MoCA entry device 100 from entryport 111 to the broadband ports 113A and/or 113B, the entry port 111 canreceive the source signal 116 from the headend 107 via the entry port111, which can be connected to the low-band filter 119 of the filterdevice 117. The low-band filter 119 can pass the source signal 116 tothe broadband port 113A via the broadband path 125. In some embodiments,the broadband path 125 includes a broadband splitter 129 the divides thesource signal 116 and provides it to broadband ports 113A and 113B, aspreviously described.

Referring now to the signal flow of the MoCA entry device 100 from theentry port 111 to the downstream high-band ports 115, the entry port 111can receive a source signal 116 as described above. However, thehigh-band filter 121 blocks the CATV frequency band (C) of the sourcesignal 116, which prevents the source signal 116 from passing to thedownstream high-band ports 115. Rather, the source signal 116 can onlyflow downstream to the downstream broadband ports 113A and/or 113B.

Referring now to the signal flow of the MoCA entry device 100 from thebroadband ports 113A and/or 113B to the entry port 111, the broadbandports 113A and/or 113B can receive the broadband signal 123 from thegateway device 135 and/or the broadband device 136. As describedpreviously herein, the broadband signal 123 can have a range betweenabout 5 MHz to about 1675 MHz, which includes a CATV frequency band (C)component and a high frequency band (M) component. The broadband path125 receives the broadband signal 123 as an input from broadband ports113A and/or 113B and provides it to the filter device 117. In someembodiments, the broadband splitter 129 in the broadband path 125combines the broadband signals 123 received from the gateway device 135and the broadband device 136. As described previously herein, thelow-band filter 119 of the filter device 117 only passes the CATVfrequency band (C) of the broadband signal 123 upstream to the entryport 111. Accordingly, the filter device 117 blocks the high frequencyband (M) component of the broadband signal 124 from passing to the entryport 111. The filter device 121 permits high frequency band (M) of thebroadband 123 to pass to the high-band path 127.

Referring now to the signal flow of the MoCA entry device 100 from thebroadband ports 113A and 113B to high-band ports 115, the broadbandports 113A and 113B and the broadband path 125 can receive the broadbandsignal 123 and pass such signal to the filter device 117 as describedpreviously herein. However, as detailed above, the high-band filter 121blocks the CATV frequency band (C) component of the broadband signal 123from passing to the high-band path 127. Instead, in some embodiments,the high-band filter 121 only passes frequencies above the CATVfrequency band (C). for example, the high-band filter 121 may only passthe high frequency band (M) to the high-band path 127 and rejects allfrequencies outside such band. In some other embodiments, the filterdevice 117 does not include the high-band filter, and the CATV frequencyband (C) is substantially or entirely rejected by frequency-selectivecomponents (e.g., transmission lines and splitters) of the high-bandsplitter 131. Accordingly, the filter device 117 blocks the CATVfrequency band (C) component of the broadband signal 123 from passing tothe high-band path 127.

Referring now to the signal flow of the MoCA entry device 100 from thebroadband ports 115, the high-band ports 115 can receive one or morehigh-band signals 124 having a high frequency band (M) from one or morehigh-band devices 137. The high-band path 127 includes a high-bandsplitter 129 having a two or more terminals respectively connected tothe two or more high-band ports 115. The high-band splitter 131 combinesthe high-band signals 124 into a combined signal, which the high-bandsplitter provides as an input to the filter device 117. As describedpreviously herein, the filter device 117 passes the high frequency band(M) of the high-band signals to the broadband path 125, and blocks thehigh frequency band (M) from passing to the entry port 111. Inembodiments, the high-band filter 121 of the filter device 117 passesthe high frequency band (M) of the high-band signals to the broadbandpath 125, and the low-band filter 119 of the filter device 117 rejectsthe high frequency band (M). The broadband path 125 then passes thehigh-band signal 124 to the broadband ports 113A and/or 113B.Accordingly, the gateway device 135, the broadband device 136, and thehigh-band devices 137 can bidirectionally communicate via the highfrequency band (M) to form, for example, a MoCA network. However, thelow-band filter 119 prevents such signals for being communicated fromthe entry port 111, which prevents leakage of subscriber informationfrom the MoCA network from the premises 103 via the entry port 111.

As set forth in detail above, the MoCA entry device 100 is configuredsuch that the high-band filter 121 and/or high-band splitter 131 in thehigh-band path 127 substantially block signals outside the highfrequency band (M) of the high-band signals 124 (e.g., about 1125MHz-1675 MHz). As such, embodiments of the MoCA entry device 100disclosed herein optimize the high-band path 127 for the particular,limited frequency band of the high-band signals 124. Additionally, thehigh-band splitter 131 and/or the high-band path 127 operate only atfrequencies at or above 1000 MHz using components that minimize noise,reflection, power loss, leakage etc. over the high frequency band (M) ofthe high-band signals 124.

FIG. 1A shows a block diagram illustrating an example environment 10 inaccordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The environment 10includes a MoCA entry device 150, a premises 103, and a headend 107,which can be same or similar to those previously described. As also,previously described, the MoCA entry device 150 can be installed betweenthe premises 103 (e.g., a home or business of a CATV subscriber) and acable (e.g., COAX cable) connecting the headend 107 (e.g., aninfrastructure of a CATV service that provides high-definitionmultimedia content and broadband Internet service).

The MoCA entry device 150 includes an entry port 111, one or morebroadband ports 113A and 113B (e.g., CATV ports), and a multiplicity ofhigh-band ports 115 (e.g., MoCA ports), a filter device 117, a broadbandpath 125, a high-band path 127, a broadband splitter 129, and ahigh-band splitter 131 (such as a Wilkinson Splitter). These elementsand the signal flows among them can be the same or similar to thosepreviously described. Differently from the previous example shown inFIG. 1, the filter device 117 can include a low-pass filter (rather thanlow-band filter 119 and high-band filter 121) that connects the entryport 111 to the broadband path 125 and the high-band path 127. Inaccordance with some embodiments, the filter device 117 receives thesource signal 116 having the CATV frequency band (C) from the entry port111 and passes it to the broadband path 125 and the high-band path. Thelow-pass filter 150 that bidirectionally passes signals having the CATVfrequency band (C) and rejects any frequencies greater than the CATVfrequency band (C). Accordingly, in the reverse direction, the filterdevice 117 rejects the high frequency band (M) of the high-band signal124, included in the broadband signal 123. Doing so prevents leakage ofsubscriber information from the premises 103 via the entry port 111, aspreviously described.

Additionally, in accordance with some embodiments, the high-band path127 connects the broadband downstream ports 113 to the high-band ports115, and bidirectionally communicates high-band signals 124 having ahigh frequency band (M) (e.g., MoCA band signals) from the gatewaydevice 135 and/or the broadband device 136 to one or more high-banddevices 137 (e.g., MoCA devices) in the premises 103, and vice versa.The high-band path 127 includes high-band splitter 131. The high-bandsplitter 131 can include one or more devices that receive a broadbandsignal 123, including the source signal 116 from the filter device 117and high-band signals 124 from the gateway device 135, the broadbanddevice 136, and/or the high-band devices 137. In accordance with someembodiments, the high-band splitter 131 is constructed using one or morecomponents (e.g., transmission lines and/or splitters) optimized to passthe high frequency band (M) of the high-band signals 124, whilerejecting the frequency band (C) of source signal 116. For example, thehigh-band splitter 131 may operate only at frequencies using componentsthat minimize noise, reflection, power loss, leakage etc. over thefrequency range of the high-band path 127. In some embodiments, thehigh-band splitter 131 operates only at frequencies at or between 1100MHZ and 2000 MHz. Additionally, in some embodiments, the high-bandsplitter 131 operate only at frequencies at or between 1125 MHZ and 1675MHz. Accordingly, the high-band splitter 131 passes only the high-bandportion (M) of the broadband signal 123 to the high-band devices 137 viathe high-band ports 115. In the reverse direction, the high-bandsplitter 131 is configured to receive a number of high-band signals 124as inputs to a two or more terminals, combine such signals into acomposite high-band signal 124, and output the composite high-bandsignal 124 to the filter device 117 and the broadband path 125.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a MoCA entry device 200 in accordance withaspects of the present disclosure. The MoCA entry device 200 includesentry port 111, broadband downstream ports 113, high-band ports 115,filter device 117, low-band filter 119, high-band filter 121, broadbandpath 125, high-band path 127, broadband splitter 129, and high-bandsplitter 131, which can be the same or similar to those previouslydescribed herein. The low-band filter 119 passes a broadband signal 123by filtering a source signal 116 received from the entry port 111, aspreviously described herein, and outputs the broadband signal 123 to thebroadband splitter 129. In accordance with aspects of the presentdisclosure, the broadband splitter 129 can be one-input, two-outputsplitter optimized for an operational frequency range below 1675 MHz.

The high-band filter 121 passes a high-band signal 124 (e.g., a MoCAsignal) from one or more broadband devices (e.g., gateway device 135)connected via the broadband downstream ports 113, as previouslydescribed herein, to multiple (e.g., two or more) high-band ports 115through a network of one-input, two-output splitters 131A, 131B, and131C (collectively referred to herein as splitters 131). For example, asshown in FIG. 2, a first high-band splitter 131A can feed two high-bandsplitter 131B, which can each feed two more high-band splitter 131C, tooutput the high-band signal 124 to each of eight high-band ports 115. Inaccordance with aspects of the present disclosure, the high-bandsplitter 131 can be configured for an operational frequency range onlyabove 1125 MHz. And, in embodiments each of the high-band splitter 131can have a narrow operational frequency band between about 1125 MHz andabout 1675 MHz. Because each of the high-band splitter 131 only operateover such frequencies, the margin of tolerance and/or accuracy of thehigh-band splitter 131 minimizes error accumulation over the network ofhigh-band splitter 131. Notably, the number of high-band splitter 131illustrated in FIG. 2 is limited to eight for the sake of illustration.However, it is understood that the number of high-band ports 115 andsplitters 131 can be increased or decreased in implementationsconsistent with the present disclosure. For example, in embodiments, thehigh-band splitter 131A can feed two high-band splitter 131B to providefour outputs to each of four MoCA ports 115.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a MoCA entry device 300 in accordance withaspects of the present disclosure. The MoCA entry device 300, caninclude entry port 111, a single broadband port 113, multiple high-bandports 115, filter device 117, low-band filter 119, high-band filter 121,broadband path 125 high-band path 127, and high-band splitter 131, whichcan be the same or similar to those previously described herein.Differently from the previous embodiments, the broadband path 125 lacksany broadband splitter (e.g., broadband splitter 129). Rather, thelow-band filter 119 directly connects to the single broadband port 119via the broadband path 125, which feeds the broadband signal 123 tosingle broadband device (e.g., a gateway device 135). Thus, inaccordance with aspects of the present disclosure, the broadband path125 is simplified by reducing components (e.g., CATV band splitters),which also reduces cost and complexity of the MoCA entry device 300.Further, because the broadband path 125 lacks any splitter, the MoCAentry device 300 minimizes attenuation of the source signal 116 and thebroadband downstream signal 123.

FIG. 4 shows an example of a MoCA entry device 400 in accordance withaspects of the present disclosure. The MoCA entry device 400 includesentry port 111, broadband ports 113, high-band ports 115, filter device117, low-band filter 119, high-band filter 121, broadband path 125, ahigh-band path 127, and high-band splitter 131, which can be the same orsimilar to those previously described herein. Differently, the broadbandpath 125 includes a directional coupler 405 including an input port (E)connected to the filter device 117, a through port (T) connected tobroadband port 113A, and a coupled port (C) connected to broadband port113B. The input port (E) passes a majority of the power of broadbandsignal 123 to broadband port 113A. For example, the directional coupler405 can attenuate the broadband signal 123 by less than one decibel (dB)between the input port (E) and the through port (T). In comparison, thedirectional coupler 405 can attenuate the broadband signal 123 providedto the broadband port 113B by over 6 dB between the input port (E) andthe coupled port (C). In accordance with aspects of the presentdisclosure, the directional coupler 405 allows connection to a telephonedevice (e.g., a voice-over-internet protocol (VOIP) device) connected tobroadband port 113B that is unaffected by reflections from an activedevice (e.g., a gateway device) that may be connected to broadband port113A. Additionally, the directional coupler 405 can allow the telephonedevice connected to broadband port 113B to communicate in situationswhen power to a subscriber residence is lost.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a MoCA entry device 500 in accordance withaspects of the present disclosure. The MoCA entry device 500 includesentry port 111, broadband downstream ports 113A . . . 113 n, high-bandports 115, filter device 117, low-band filter 119, high-band filter 121,broadband path 125, high-band path 127, and high-band splitter 131,which can be the same or similar to those previously described herein.Differently, the broadband path 125 includes a one-to-n broadbandsplitter 505 having n terminal respectively connected to broadband ports113A . . . 113 n, wherein n can be any integer value greater than two(2). Thus, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, thebroadband path 125 can be customized to connect to any number ofbroadband devices (e.g., gateway device 135 and or broadband device 136)in a subscriber premises.

FIG. 6 shows an example of a MoCA entry device 600 in accordance withaspects of the present disclosure. The MoCA entry device 600 can includeentry port 111, broadband ports 113, high-band ports 115, broadband path125, and high-band path 127, which can be similar to those previouslydescribed herein. Different from embodiments previously describedherein, the MoCA entry device 600 includes an isolation filter 605 and areflection filter 630, that can be separated (e.g., distributed) in theMoCA entry device 600, rather than combined in a single filter device(e.g., filter device 117). The isolation filter 605 rejects the highfrequency band (M) so as to prevent leakage of high-band signals 124from the entry port 111. Thus, the isolation filter 605 can providepoint of entry isolation, while allowing source signal 116 to pass to asplitter 610 in the broadband path 125. In some embodiments, theisolation filter 605 is a low pass filter that only passes frequenciesbelow 1100 MHz. In other embodiments, the isolation filter 605 onlypasses frequencies below 1000 MHz, such as low-band frequency (C). Thereflection filter 630 can be a filter device that may include high passand low pass elements, as detailed below.

In implementations, the reflection filter 630 can balance power betweenthe broadband ports 113 and the high-band ports 115 by reflecting aportion of the power of high-band signals 124 in the high-band path 127back to the high-band ports 115. In some implementations, the reflectionfilter 630 rejects the low frequency band (C) (e.g., CATV frequencybands) using a combination of high pass filtering and the low frequencyfiltering inherently provided by high band splitters and transmissionlines. Additionally, the reflection filter 630 can throttle the power ofthe high-band signal 124. Doing so allows the reflection filter 630 todecrease the power of the high-band signal 124 transmitted from thehigh-band path 127 to the broadband path 123, while increasing power atall of the high-band ports 115 in the high-band path 127.

In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, the entry port 111can provide the source signal 116 having a frequency band (C) to theisolation filter 605. After passing through the isolation filter 605,the source signal 116 is split between the broadband bath 125 and thehigh-band path 127 at circuit node 635. In the broadband path 125, asplitter device 610 connects the isolation filter 605 of the filterdevice 117 (and the reflection filter 630 of the high band path) to thebroadband ports 113. The splitter device 610 includes terminal (E),terminal (A), and terminal (B). The terminal (E) receives the sourcesignal 116 having CATV frequency band (C) as an input from the isolationfilter 605 and the high-frequency band (M) as an input from the hybridfilter 630. The splitter 610 splits the source signal 116 and outputssuch signal via terminal (A) and terminal (B), which connect to thebroadband ports 113.

In the reverse direction from the broadband ports 113, one or more ofthe terminals (A or B) of the splitter device 610 receives the broadbandsignal 123 having frequency bands (C) and (M) as an input from thebroadband ports 113 and 113. The low-band signal (C) portion of thebroadband signal 123 can pass through isolation filter 605 to the entryport 111, whereas the isolation filter blocks the high-band (M) portionfrom passing to the entry port 111. Additionally, at circuit node 635,the broadband signal 123 can flow to the high-band path 127 via thereflection filter 630, which allows the high-frequency band (M) to passto the high-band ports 115. Accordingly, a broadband device (e.g.,gateway device 135 or broadband device 136) connected to broadband port113 can bidirectional communicate with high-band devices (e.g.,high-band devices 137) connected to the high-band port 115 and to asource connected to entry port 111 via the splitter device 610.

In the direction from the high-band ports 115, one or more of thehigh-band ports 115 can receive the high band signals 124. The high-bandsignals 124 can be shared among the high-band ports 115 via splitters131. Additionally, the high-band signal 124 can be communicated to thecircuit node 635 via the reflective filter 630. As described previously,the high-band signal 124 can be communicated to the broadband ports 113via the splitter 620, whereas they are blocked from the entry port 111by the isolation filter 605. Further, as described above, the reflectionfilter 630 can throttle the amount of power of the high-band signal 127exiting the high-band path 127 so as to increase the signal power of thesignal communicated among the high-band ports.

FIG. 6A shows a block diagram of an example of a reflection filter 630in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The reflectionfilter 630 can include a high-pass filter 650 and a low-pass filter 655that filter low-band frequencies (e.g., low band frequency (C). Thehigh-pass filter 650 can be a resistive-captive-type high-pass filterand the low-pass filter 655 can be an inductive-type low-pass filter. Insome embodiments, the low-pass filter 655 can be a high-band reflector(or low pass element) that throttles the signal strength of thehigh-band signal 124 to attenuate a high-band signal 124 bidirectionallypassing through the reflection filter 630. Doing so allows thereflection filter 630 to decrease the power of the high-band signal 124transmitted from the high-band path 127 to the broadband path 123, whileincreasing power at all of the high-band ports 115 in the high-band path127. For example, because the path between the high-band path 127 to thebroadband path 123 is low loss (e.g., 6 dB) and the loss betweenadjacent high-band ports 115 is high (e.g., 25 dB), the low-pass filter655 can reflect the high-band signal 124 flowing to the broadband path123 and, instead, distribute its power among the high-band ports,thereby increasing signal strength at the high-band parts 115.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, otheraspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes ofillustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scopeand spirit being indicated by the following claims. The presentdisclosure is not to be limited in terms of the particular embodimentsdescribed in this application, which are intended as illustrations ofvarious aspects. Many modifications and variations can be made withoutdeparting from its spirit and scope, as will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art. Functionally equivalent apparatuses within the scopeof the disclosure, in addition to those enumerated herein will beapparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing descriptions.Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scopeof the appended claims. The present disclosure is to be limited only bythe terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope ofequivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is also to beunderstood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to belimiting.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singularterms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from theplural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as isappropriate to the context and/or application. The varioussingular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sakeof clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, termsused herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of theappended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term“including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” theterm “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term“includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,”etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if aspecific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such anintent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence ofsuch recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid tounderstanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of theintroductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claimrecitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed toimply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinitearticles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing suchintroduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one suchrecitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases“one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or“an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should be interpreted to mean “at least one”or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articlesused to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specificnumber of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, thoseskilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should beinterpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the barerecitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, means at leasttwo recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in thoseinstances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C,etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the senseone having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “asystem having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not belimited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and Btogether, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and Ctogether, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “atleast one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a constructionis intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understandthe convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” wouldinclude but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, Calone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A,B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those withinthe art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting twoor more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, ordrawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities ofincluding one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. Forexample, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include thepossibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.” In addition, where features oraspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups,those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is alsothereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup ofmembers of the Markush group.

What is claimed is:
 1. An entry device, comprising: an entry port configured to receive cable television (CATV) signals from a headend; a low-band filter connected to the entry port, wherein the low-band filter is configured to pass the CATV signals therethrough and to block multimedia over coax alliance (MoCA) signals from passing therethrough; a broadband splitter connected to the low-band filter, wherein the broadband splitter is configured to split the CATV signals from the low-band filter; a plurality of first output ports connected to the broadband splitter, wherein the first output ports are configured to receive the split CATV signals from the broadband splitter, wherein the CATV signals travel from the entry port, through the low-band filter and the broadband splitter, and to the first output ports, wherein the CATV signals travel from the first output ports, through the broadband splitter and the low-band filter, and to the entry port; and wherein the MoCA signals are blocked from travelling from the first output ports to the entry port by the low-band filter; a high-band filter connected to the low-band filter, wherein the high-band filter is configured to block the CATV signals from passing therethrough and to pass the MoCA signals therethrough; a high-band splitter connected to the high-band filter, wherein the high-band splitter is configured to split the MoCA signals from the high-band filter; and a plurality of second output ports connected to the high-band splitter, wherein the second output ports are configured to receive the split MoCA signals from the high-band splitter, wherein the CATV signals are blocked from travelling from the entry port to the second output ports by the high-band filter, the high-band splitter, or both, wherein the CATV signals are blocked from travelling from the first output ports to the second output ports by the high-band filter, the high-band splitter, or both, wherein the MoCA signals travel from the first output ports, through the broadband splitter, the high-band filter, and the high-band splitter, and to the second output ports, wherein the MoCA signals travel from the second output ports, through the high-band splitter, the high-band filter, and the broadband splitter, and to the first output ports, and wherein the MoCA signals are blocked from travelling from the second output ports to the entry port by the low-band filter.
 2. The entry device of claim 1, wherein the entry port is configured to be connected to the headend, and wherein the first output ports, the second output ports, or both are configured to be connected to one or more devices in a subscriber premises.
 3. The entry device of claim 1, wherein the broadband splitter is configured to pass signals having frequencies between 5 megahertz (MHz) and 1675 MHz therethrough and to block signals having frequencies above 1675 MHz from passing therethrough.
 4. The entry device of claim 1, wherein the high-band filter is configured to pass signals having frequencies above 1100 megahertz (MHz) therethrough and to block signals having frequencies below 1100 MHz from passing therethrough.
 5. The entry device of claim 1, wherein the high-band filter is configured to pass signals in a predetermined range therethrough and to block signals outside the predetermined range from passing therethrough, and wherein the predetermined range is from 1125 megahertz (MHz) to 1675 MHz.
 6. An entry device, comprising: an entry port configured to receive cable television (CATV) signals from an external network; a first filter connected to the entry port, wherein the first filter is configured to pass the CATV signals therethrough and to block multimedia over coax alliance (MoCA) signals from passing therethrough; a plurality of first output ports; a first path connecting the first filter to the first output ports, wherein the first path is configured to pass the CATV signals and the MoCA signals bidirectionally therethrough; a second filter connected to the first filter, wherein the second filter is configured to block the CATV signals from passing therethrough and to pass the MoCA signals therethrough; a plurality of second output ports; and a second path connecting the second filter to the second output ports, wherein the second path is configured to pass the MoCA signals bidirectionally therethrough and to block the CATV signals from passing therethrough.
 7. The entry device of claim 6, wherein the first filter comprises an isolation filter, and the second filter comprises a reflection filter, and wherein the isolation filter and the reflection filter are separated in the entry device.
 8. The entry device of claim 6, wherein the first filter is a low-pass filter that passes signals having frequencies below 1100 megahertz (MHz) and blocks signals having frequencies above 1100 MHz.
 9. The entry device of claim 6, wherein the second filter balances a power between the first output ports and the second output ports by reflecting a portion of the power of the MoCA signals in the second path back to the second output ports.
 10. The entry device of claim 6, wherein the second filter throttles a power of the MoCA signals, so as to allow the second filter to decrease the power of the MoCA signals transmitted from the second path to the first path, while increasing the power between the second output ports.
 11. The entry device of claim 6, wherein the second filter comprises a high-pass filter and a low-pass filter in series with one another.
 12. The entry device of claim 11, wherein the high-pass filter comprises a resistor and a capacitor in parallel with one another, and wherein the low-pass filter comprises an inductor.
 13. The entry device of claim 11, wherein the low-pass filter comprises a high-band reflector that throttles a signal strength of the MoCA signals to attenuate the MoCA signals that pass bidirectionally through the second filter.
 14. The entry device of claim 13, wherein the second filter decreases a power of the MoCA signals transmitted from the second path to the first path, while increasing a power between the second output ports.
 15. An entry device, comprising: an entry port configured to receive cable television (CATV) signals from a headend; a filter connected to the entry port; a plurality of first output ports; a plurality of second output ports; a first path connecting the filter to the first output ports, wherein the first path is configured to have the CATV signals and multimedia over coax alliance (MoCA) signals pass bidirectionally therethrough; and a second path connecting the filter to the second output ports, wherein the second path is configured to have the MoCA signals pass bidirectionally therethrough and to block the CATV signals from passing therethrough.
 16. The entry device of claim 15, wherein the filter comprises a diplexer comprising: a low-band filter connected to the entry port; and a high-band filter connected to the low-band filter, wherein the first output ports are connected to a node between the low-band filter and the high-band filter, and wherein the second output ports are connected to the high-band filter.
 17. The entry device of claim 15, wherein the CATV signals travel from the entry port, through the filter to the first output ports, and the CATV signals are blocked from travelling from the entry port to the second output ports by the filter.
 18. The entry device of claim 15, wherein the CATV signals travel from the first output ports, through the filter, and to the entry port, and the CATV signals are blocked from travelling from the first output ports to the second output ports by the filter.
 19. The entry device of claim 15, wherein the MoCA signals travel from the first output ports, through the filter, and to the second output ports, and the MoCA signals are blocked from travelling from the first output ports to the entry port by the filter.
 20. The entry device of claim 15, wherein the MoCA signals travel from the second output ports, through the filter, and to the first output ports and the MoCA signals are blocked from travelling from the second output ports to the entry port by the filter. 